James Dewitt Yancey (February 7, 1974 – February 10, 2006), better known as J Dilla or Jay Dee, was an American hip hop producer and emcee, who emerged from the mid-1990s underground hip-hop scene in Detroit, Michigan.
J Dilla was known as a “producer’s producer”, and was highly regarded by well known producers such as Pete Rock, Kanye West, Rza, Just Blaze, Dj Premier, Large Professor, 9th Wonder, Diamond D, Young Rj Rice, 88 keys, Hi-Tek, 14KT, Onra, Kev Brown, and Pharrell Williams (all who have named him as one of their favorite producers). Many considered him as a musical genius.
J Dilla’s legend lives up to his biography, and perhaps even overshadows it, because he refused to create a visible image for himself. J Dilla didn’t need an image. His music speaks for itself, and it speaks volumes. With little knowledge of his personal life, the world has embraced Dilla solely through his music. The myths and anecdotal accounts of James Yancey are limited to those who knew him best and loved him most, and they will tell you Dilla’s life revolved around two things. Love and Music.
J DILLA LIVES FOREVER